Jack Jones
New Jersey Nets +13.5
The New Jersey Nets are showing great value Monday as a big underdog to the Chicago Bulls. New Jersey started slow, but they have been playing their best basketball over the last few weeks. I'll gladly back them at this price tonight.
New Jersey is just 5-12 on the season, but they have been very competitive. The Nets have won two of their last three, including a 97-87 victory over Charlotte last night. They have not lost any of their last 10 games by more than 13 points.
This play falls into a system that is 29-7 (80.6%) ATS since 1996. It tells us to bet on underdogs of 10 or more points (NEW JERSEY) - tired team - playing 8 or more games in 14 days against opponent extremely tired team - playing 9 or more games in 14 days. Bet the Nets Monday.
David Banks
Golden State Warriors
The Southwest Division leading Memphis Grizzlies (9-6, 8-7 ATS) will attempt to rattle off their seventh straight win when they invade Oracle Arena to battle the Golden State Warriors (5-10, 7-8 ATS) on Monday night; NBA TV will handle the live coverage of this one starting at 10:30 ET.
Even though the Grizz have lost the services of big man Zach Randolph for the foreseeable future, Head Coach Lionel Hollins’ squad hasn’t skipped a beat winning each of their last six games to catapult themselves to the top of the Southwest Division standings. Last Memphis took to the hardwood, it threw the gauntlet down upon the Sacramento Kings at home winning 128-95 as near 10-point chalk. The pointspread cover was the team’s fourth in a row and fifth in eight tries as a host. Tonight’s game will be the first of a four-game road trip that begins here in Oakland and ends in Phoenix on Saturday night. To date, the Grizzlies stand 3-4 SU & ATS away from the FedEx Forum, but they posted wins and covers in their two most recent road stops at New Orleans and Detroit. Memphis has taken care of business at both ends of the court scoring an average of 96.1 points per game (#12) while giving up 92.5 PPG (#11).
It’s been three long seasons since the Warriors posted a winning mark by the Bay, and at the rate they’re going on the young season, it looks to be another low end finish within the Pacific Division for this defunct franchise. New Head Coach Mark Jackson has gotten Golden State to play a bit better at the defensive end of the court (#26 at 99.4 PPG), but the injury to Stephen Curry has taken away some much needed offensive firepower from what’s normally a potent Warriors offensive attack. The former Davidson standout did return to the starting line-up in Golden state’s 94-91 loss to the Indiana Pacers their last time out, but he only went for 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting from the field. Monta Ellis (23.3 PPG) and David Lee (18.6 PPG) have held up their end of the bargain, but need someone else to step up offensively to start notching more dubs. Golden State’s dropped five of its eight home games both SU and against the closing number on the year.
The home team has flat out dominated this series dating back to the 2009 season winning each of the L/7 games SU while beating the oddsmakers six times; the ‘over’ is 4-3 during that stretch. Memphis has been great to its betting backers when matched up against Pacific Division opposition covering 13 of the L/19 match-ups, but it’s only covered three of its L/10 road games. Golden State has covered six of its L/8 games when playing on two days rest, but has only defeated the closing pointspread against Southwest Division opponents twice in its L/7 tries.
SPORTS WAGERS
NEW ORLEANS +4½/+171 over San Antonio
One just needs to look at the Lakers and Celtics to see how this relentless schedule is working out for veteran teams. The Celtics are three games under .500 and the Lakers haven't defeated a quality team all season. The Spurs are in that same category. There are just too many miles on these bodies to compete every night at this unforgiving pace. The Spurs are just 1-6 on the road. They'll play their seventh game in 10 nights here. They're coming off back-to-back losses at Houston by three and at home against Sacramento by a bucket. San Antonio's home record of 9-1 has them looking a lot better than they're playing. New Orleans isn’t much. They've dropped seven in a row and they have just three wins in 16 games. However, there is some light at the end of this tunnel. The Hornets are coming off a two-point loss to Dallas and a two-point OT loss at Houston. Five of their past six losses have been by seven or less and they've had a fourth quarter lead in most of them. In what is expected to be a tightly contested, low-scoring game (178 total), the Hornets figure to be in a strong position to finally close out a game Play: New Orleans +171 (Risking 1 unit) Play: New Orleans +4½ (Risking 1.07 units to win 1).
PHILADELPHIA -13 over Washington
In years past, we'd be reluctant to lay the big lumber. In this, the year of the blowout, we have no reluctance when it calls for it. The Wizards last four games, in which they were victorious once and lost by eight or less in the others, has them overvalued in this spot but we're not buying it for a second. All of those games were at home, as have eight of their past 10. The Wiz have only played six road games all year. In four of those contests, they lost by 18 or more, another was by 14 at Chicago (minus Derrick Rose) and the other was by eight in Boston. They are certainly among the most unorganized, uninspired and flawed teams in the league. When they went into Philadelphia 10 days ago, the Wizards lost 120-89. That was when Philly was not in the foul mood we may find them in tonight. The 76ers come into this one off a blowout loss to Miami and are losers of two of three. Philly is one of the top four teams in the East and should remain there all season long. They'll have no sympathy for a dysfunctional invader playing their third game in four days, seventh game in 10 days and tail end of back-to-backs. Play: Philadelphia -13 (Risking 2.14 units to win 2).
GOLDEN STATE -1½ over Memphis
The Grizzlies have won six in a row and as a result, their stock is higher than it's been all season long. That provides us with a great opportunity to lay a small number against them. A close look reveals that five of those six wins came against Sacramento, New Orleans twice, Detroit and the Knicks. That has masked most of the Grizzlies flaws but their 3-6 start did not. Memphis' first three wins came against Houston, Minnesota and Sacramento again. One could argue that the Grizzlies only credible win this year came against Chicago. However, that win against the Bulls occurred with Chicago playing its sixth game in eight nights. When Memphis played in Chicago two weeks earlier, the Bulls won by 40 (104-64). Meanwhile, the Warriors are just 5-10 with majority of games having been played without Stephen Curry. He returned last game against Indiana, as did the Warriors from a four-game East Coast trip. They lost by just three to a tough opponent and they'll be fresher and well-prepped here. Golden State already has wins over Chicago and Miami and numerous close games against quality opponents. Of the 15 games they've played, nine have come against teams with a record over .500. The Warriors are a focused bunch under the strong guidance of new coach Mark Jackson. Jackson has them playing defense and playing confidently. Undervalued vs overvalued gets the call. Play: Golden State -1½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).
WUNDERDOG
Washington at Philadelphia
Pick: Washington +13
The Washington Wizards own just a pair of wins on their way to a 2-14 start despite playing 10 of them at home. The Wizards are just 0-6 on the road this season, but their best basketball has been played recently. The Wizards lost six games early by 14 points or more, but have now beaten Oklahoma City, played Denver to a 4-point game, and Boston to a 6-point game. Over their last six games, no one has bested them by more than 13 points. The Sixers have cooled off after a big start and have lost two of their last three, and won't bring much fire to this one, playing a team they have beaten twice already this season. Philly hasn't rebounded well off a double-digit loss, where they are 0-4 ATS in their last four. Play on Washington.
SPORTS WAGERS
Texas A&M +18½ over KANSAS
If this were the first game of the year for both teams, the Jayhawks would've been about a 7-point choice. Sure, things change but are the Jayhawks really this good? Kansas is currently 6-0 in the Big 12, they are two games ahead of Baylor and they own a resounding head on victory against the Bears. They’ve attacked this season like a team on a mission but they are human and a breather is about to occur. With games upcoming against Iowa State, Oklahoma, Baylor and Mizzou, the Jayhawks figure to take a ‘day off’. This is their only game this week, as they don't play again until Saturday. This becomes a sweet spot for the Aggies. A&M is only 2-4 in the conference but they rarely get blown out. The total in this game is just 126 and taking back 18½ points in what is expected to be a low-scoring affair comes highly recommended. Play Texas A&M +18½ (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
MTi Sports
Spurs at Hornets
Prediction: Over
The Spurs are 7-0 OU (27.1 ppg) on the road after a game on the road in which they had at least 15 more shot attempts than their opponent. The Hornets are 8-0 OU (16.7 ppg) as a home dog with at most one day of rest after a home loss in which they shot less than 40% from the field. Take these two OVER.
Steve Janus
New Jersey Nets +13.5
The Chicago Bulls are expected to get back starting point guard Derrick Rose, but there is a good chance they will be playing without Luol Deng. I don't think people understand just how important Deng is to the Bulls. Chicago will also be without backup power forward Taj Gibson, who is another very underrated player. The Bulls success comes from their defense. Without Deng and Gibson that defense will take a hit, which is why I will gladly take the 13.5-points.
There is no question getting Rose back is a big plus for the Bulls, but I don't expect him to dominate this game going up against another top point guard in Deron Williams.
New Jersey is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games as a road underdog of 11.0 or greater, while the Bulls are just 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite of 11.0 or greater.
Eric Williams
Wizards vs. 76ers
Play: Over 194
The Washington Wizards may have lost two straight games, but they’ve done so by four oints each time out in falling to Boston and Denver – just after upsetting Oklahoma City one game prior to that. Philly has dropped two of three and while I like them to get back in the win column tonight, I don’t like them to beat the Wizards by nearly 15 points! In addition to playing the Wizards to cover the huge, double-digit spread, I also like the Over as it has gone 5-0 in the last five meetings between these longtime rivals, 6-0 in Washington’s last six games overall and 4-1 in the L/5 meetings in the City of Brotherly Love!
Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Play: Washington Wizards +13
The Washington Wizards may have lost two straight games, but they’ve done so by four oints each time out in falling to Boston and Denver – just after upsetting Oklahoma City one game prior to that. Philly has dropped two of three and while I like them to get back in the win column tonight, I don’t like them to beat the Wizards by nearly 15 points! In addition to playing the Wizards to cover the huge, double-digit spread, I also like the Over as it has gone 5-0 in the last five meetings between these longtime rivals, 6-0 in Washington’s last six games overall and 4-1 in the L/5 meetings in the City of Brotherly Love!
Rocketman Sports
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
Play: Golden State Warriors -1.5
Memphis will be without star forward Zach Randolph tonight. Memphis is scoring only 84.9 points per game on the road this year. Golden State is 3-0 SU and ATS at home vs Memphis the past 3 years. Grizzlies are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. Grizzlies are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog. Grizzlies are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog. Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 2 days rest. Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings. Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. We'll recommend a small play on Golden State tonight!
NHL Predictions
Detroit Red Wings -138
The Detroit Red Wings will be looking for their 17th straight home win tonight vs the Blues. St Louis has won 8 of their last 9 games, but 8 of those games were at home. St Louis is a great home team (21-3-3) but are just 8-9-3 on the road. In fact the Blues are just 2-5 in their last 7 road games. The Red Wings have won 6 straight, but needed overtime or shootout in 5 of those 6 games. Detroit is an unheard of 19-2-1 at home this season. Take note that the Wings are 4-0 in their last 4 vs a team with a winning % above .600, and are 4-0 in their last 4 vs divisional opponents. The Blues are just 1-4 in their last 5 vs divisional opponents. These two teams have already played 4 of their 6 meetings this season. The home team has won all four games, with each team taking 2 a piece. The Wings have won 3-0 and 3-2 in Detroit, both which came near the end of December. The Red Wings average 3.86 goals per game at home, while the Blues average just 2.05 goals per game on the road. Look for Detroit to keep rolling along at home as they will show up for an all important divisional game.
Winnipeg / Carolina Hurricanes Under 5.5
Winnipeg has felt the affect of some key injuries, winning just twice in their last 7 games. The Jets are averaging less than 2 goals per game over their last 9. Dustin Byfuglien is expected to be out until after the All Star Break, and it doesn't look like Evander Kane (18 goals, 13 assists) will be in the line up tonight. The Hurricanes have lost 3 of their last 4 games, but have gotten points in two of those losses giving them points in 5 of their last 6 games. Carolina will take anything they can get at this point in the season, with a 17-24-9 record. Carolina is averaging 2 goals per game over their last 5, but are holding opponents to just 1.40 goals against during that span. Cam Ward is finally looking like Cam Ward between the pipes. Ward has allowed 2 or less goals against in 8 straight starts. Note that the UNDER is 12-4 in the Jets last 16 overall, and 7-3 in their last 10 games as an underdog. The Canes are playing their 3 game in 4 days, and dating back the UNDER is 40-18-1 in their last 59 times in that situation. The UNDER is 4-0 in the Hurricanes last 4 and 6-2 in their last 8 home games vs a team with a road winning % less than .400. Neither team has been very offensive as of late, and both are getting good goaltending/defense - take the UNDER.
San Jose / Edmonton Under 5.5
The Sharks have dropped 3 of 4 heading into tonight and are averaging just 2 goals per game over their last 5. Scoring hasn't come to easy for the Sharks on the road, where they average just 2.55 goals per game. Luckily for them goaltending has been pretty solid, as they allow just 2.15 goals against per game away from home. The Oilers have won just 1 in their last 9 games, and are coming off a 6-2 loss to Calgary on Saturday night at home. The Oilers are scoring just 1.20 goals per game over their last 5. Take note that the UNDER is 10-4 in the Sharks last 14 overall, and 9-4 in their last 13 road games. The UNDER is also 5-0 in the Sharks last 5 as a big favorite of -151 to -200. The UNDER is 5-2 in the Oilers last 7 overall, and 5-1-1 in their last 7 home games. Although these two teams usually play higher scoring games, I can't see that happening with the way they've been playing lately. Take the UNDER here tonight.
Ottawa / Los Angeles Under 5.5
I wouldn't be surprised to see this total move down to 5 before game time, but I like the 5.5 laying some chalk. The Sens come into tonight's game after a Saturday night loss in Anaheim. The Sens are averaging just 2 goals per game over their last 5, but are allowing just 1.80 goals against during that span. The Kings have dropped 3 of 4, including two straight home games. They are averaging just 1.80 goals per game over their last 5 and 1.80 goals against per game over that span. That isn't anything new for the Kings though, as they average just 2.1 goals per game this season and 2.12 goals against per game. At home they are averaging just 2 goals against per game. Craig Anderson has been excellent for the Sens, allowing 2 goals against or less in 7 straight starts. Jonathan Quick is expected to be in net for the Kings and he too has been great. Quick has allowed 2 goals against or less in 8 of 10, which includes one shutout and 5 starts where he allowed just 1 goal against. The UNDER is 5-0 in the Sens last 5 road games, and 6-0 in their last 6 overall. The UNDER is also 5-1 in the Sens last 6 vs Western Conference opponents. The UNDER is 16-6-4 in the Kings last 26 home games, and 27-11 on the season this year. Take the UNDER here as we are laying chalk but getting a very generous 5.5 total.
Jeff Scott Sports
4 UNIT PLAY
POWER ANGLE PLAY
Atlanta -1 over MILWAUKEE: Beating Miami and NY on the road in back-to-back games is no easy task, so you can expect a bit of a letdown for this Bucks squad tonight. Milwaukee has played well at home this year, going 4-1 and they have scored 100.6 ppg in their home games. For the year though this Milwaukee squad has averaged just 92.3 ppg, while in their last 5 overall they have put up just 88 ppg. Atlanta comes in having played good defense on the year as they have allowed just 90.9 ppg, including 89.6 ppg in their last 5 games and I really don't expect a tired Milwaukee bunch to put up much vs this group. The Hawks have been solid at the offensive end of the floor as they come in scoring 98 ppg (6th) on 45.2% shooting (10th), including hitting 39.1% from long range (6th). The Bucks have been decent on defense, but still in the 2nd half of the league in points allowed (94.5 ppg), FG% (44.3%) and 3pt defense (34.4%). This is a bad scheduling spot for the Bucks as they are off BB upset road wins and they are 0-5 ATS with no rest on the year, plus the Hawks have edges at both ends of the floor in this one. Milwaukee will revert back to losing in this one. POWER ANGLE FOR THIS PLAY--- Play on any team (ATLANTA), that is a good defensive team (88-92 PPG) after leading their last 3 games by 5+ points at the half and are playing against an average defensive team (92-98 PPG). This play is 28-6 over the last 5 seasons.
3 UNIT PLAYS
Boston/ Orlando Under 177.5: I guess this is a risking play, not knowing if Rondo or Allen will be playing, but even with both of those guys in there this Boston offense has struggled. In their first two games of the year Boston hit the century mark in both games, but since then they have done it twice and both times were vs a Washington team that has allowed 108 ppg in their last 6 games. Boston just has problems scoring and it won't be easier tonight vs Howard and company. Orlando comes in allowing just 91.5 ppg (9th), including just 84.6 ppg in their last 3 games (and one was an OT game). Boston is a team that knows something about defense and they have had to cause they can't score. The Celtics have allowed just 90.4 ppg on the year and that is impressive, but what's more impressive is the 84.6 ppg they have allowed at home this year and that will make it very hard for this Magic team to put many points on the board. The OU is 1-8 in Celtic home games with just 171 ppg being scored in those games. That's about what I expect here, especially if Rondo and Allen cant go.
Memphis +1.5 over GOLDEN STATE: The Grizzlies are on a roll right now as they come in having won 6 in row and that run has included DD home wins over Chicago and NY, plus a 17 point road win over Detroit and a 33 point home win over the Kings in their last game. This team is firing on all cylinders and they come in scoring 103.8 ppg during their winning streak, while allowing just 88.5 ppg over that stretch. Seeing a team come in that is averaging nearly 104 ppg is not good for a GS team that is looking like their defense of years past as they come in allowing 99.4 ppg overall and 102.7 ppg in their last 6 games. GS has struggled on offense this year as they have put up just 95.6 ppg overall and 94.2 ppg at home, while the Grizzlies have allowed just 91 ppg on the road and 92.5 ppg overall. This is just 2 teams heading in opposite direction and i really feel that the wrong team is favored. Look for the outright upset by Memphis.
2 UNIT PLAY
OKLAHOMA CITY -13.5 over Detroit: OKLAHOMA CITY is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) versus poor passing teams, averaging <=20 assists/game over the last 3 seasons, DETROIT is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in road games after having lost 4 of their last 5 games over the last 3 seasons.
1 UNIT PLAY
Portland/ Sacramento Over 195: PORTLAND is 21-7 OVER (+13.3 Units) versus poor 3 point shooting teams - making <=33% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons.
Jeff Scott Sports
5 UNIT PLAY
Georgia Southern Citadel Under 134.5: (Added) The Citadel is not a strong offensive team as they come in averaging just 58 ppg in their last 5 overall and 57.1 ppg on the road. GSU has averaged 72 ppg at home this year, but they have put up just 61 ppg in their last 2 at home, while in their last 5 overall they have averaged just 62.6 ppg. We also shouldn't expect alot of those cheap points from the FT line as GSU has hit just 66.4% of their FT's (62.9% in their last 5 games), while the Citadel has hit a mere 60.9% of their FT's, including an even worse 58.9% in their last 5. Neither team has played great at the defensive end, but the offensive play by both teams of late does not have me thinking that they can capitalize on the bad defense. 125 is all I expect here. KEY TRENDS--- GA SOUTHERN is 17-2 UNDER (+14.8 Units) after 2 consecutive conference games over the last 2 seasons and 21-5 UNDER (+15.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons, while THE CITADEL is 25-11 UNDER (+12.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - shooting pct defense of >=45% after 15+ games since 1997.
4 UNIT PLAY
POWER ANGLE PLAY
Drexel/ William & Mary Over 118: The Drexel Dragons come into this one scoring just 63.1 ppg on 42.8% shooting, but they are also 91st in 3pt shooting (36.4%) and 85th in FT Shooting (71.7%) so they do have an array of scoring options. It also won't hurt that this team that has allowed 70.4 ppg overall on 45.6% shooting , while at home they have allowed 75.7 ppg on 50.3 shooting. Drexel has scored 70+ in 2 of their last 3 games and the certainly can do it vs this defense. For the year Drexel has allowed just 55.1 ppg (4th) on 29.8% shooting, bjut on the road they have allowed slightly more at 57.8 ppg, while William & Mary has been a better scoring team at home, putting up 66 ppg, while in their last 5 overall they have put up 62.8 ppg. At home the Tribe have also hit 38.7% from long range and 76.7% from the charity stripe and that will help here as well. Realistically all we need is about 53 points from the Tribe to get this over, as i can see the Dragons easily posting 65+ points here. In looking at the numbers above 53+ by the Tribe is certainly attainable. I look for 125+ in this game. POWER ANGLE FOR THIS PLAY--- Play Over if a road team beat the spread by 42 or more points total in their last seven games and they are a good team (60% to 80%) and are playing a bad team (20% to 40%). This play is 41-14 since 1997.
3 UNIT PLAYS
Texas A&M/ Kansas Over 125: Texas A&M has been one of the better defensive teams this year, allowing less than 60 ppg overall, but once Big 12 play has started they have allowed 65.8 ppg and it won't get any easier tonight vs this Jayhawk squad. Kansas comes into tonight's game having scored just 69 points at Texas, but Prior to that game the Jayhawks had scored 80+ points in 5 of 7 games, while at home they are averaging 81.9 ppg, while within the big 12 they have put up 77.2 ppg. Yes the Jayhawks have been solid at the defensive end, where they have allowed just 60.4 ppg (36th) on 37% shooting (5th), but they have allowed 71 ppg in their last 3 games, including 73.5 ppg in their last 2 at home. The Aggies have really struggled on the road to score as they have averaged just 51.3 ppg away from home, but with Kansas struggling some at the defensive end of the floor I expect the Aggies to hit at least 55. Kansas is a scoring machine at home and should easily top 71 points vs an Aggie defense that has not played well once the Big 12 schedule has started. In all reality the Jayhawks have the ability here to hit 75 + points and if they hold the Aggies to just 51 points, we still get our Over. A&M's last 5 games have put up 126.8 ppg, while KU's last 5 have averaged 143.2 ppg and that has me clearly expecting a game in the 130's.
Syracuse/ Cincinnati Over 136: (Added) Google News Play (25-14 in CBB , but lost last 4). The Orange had some problems on defense in their last game vs the Irish, especially on the inside without Melo there. Cooley for the Irish had a big game for the irish and Gates should have similar success. The Orange just don't have a presence on the blocks that will be able to contain him. The Orange's deficiencies on defense will allow the Bearcats to get their share of points in this one. Now in their last game the Orange faced the Irish's BURN offense, but Cincy doesn't run that kind of game here and that will allow Syracuse to play this game at a much higher tempo than their last game. The will look to run and after being held under 60 points in their last game as they do not like playing a half court offense. The Orange have 7 players that have scored 7.2 ppg or better, but of those 7 Melo is the lowest at 7.2 ppg, so his points really won't be missed, but on defense it will be. The Orange will get their points in this one, especially vs a Cincy team that has allowed 74 ppg in their last 3 games, but they will also give up a bunch as well. I expect 140+ here. KEY TRENDS--- CINCINNATI is 8-1 OVER versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons 24-11 OVER after a game forcing opponent to commit 8 or less turnovers since 1997.
2 UNIT PLAY
James Madison/ Georgia State Over 129: Georgia State has allowed just 49.3 ppg at home, but I feel that JMU can sore on them as they have averaged 68 ppg in their last 5 games. The Dukes have not played defense that well this year, allowing 69.2 ppg overall and 70.6 ppg in their last 5, while Georgia State has put up 70.9 ppg at home on the year. I expect this one to eclipse 135 points.
Citadel +9.5 over Georgia Southern: (Added) The Bulldogs are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as a road underdog of 7.0-12.5, while the Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
1 UNIT PLAY
SANTA CLARA +1.5 over Loyola Cal: (Added) LOYOLA-CAL is 10-27 ATS versus teams who attempt 21 or more 3 point shots/game on the season since 1997, while SANTA CLARA is 14-5 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
Scott Delaney
The last time I gave you an NBA freebie I told you the Minnesota Timberwolves had a good chance at beating the L.A. Clippers outright. Sure enough, the Wolves got it done. Tonight I am playing the Dallas Mavericks as my freebie, as they will get it done over the outclassed Phoenix Suns, even with Dirk Nowitzki sidelined for at least three more games.
The Mavericks shouldn't suffer too bad, as they're looking to extend their home winning streak to seven games, while they're also looking to score their ninth straight win over the Suns inside American Airlines Center.
Dallas comes in after an 83-81 win over the Hornets in New Orleans, on Saturday, the first game Nowitzki was held out. No biggie, though it was a close one, as Lamar Odom stepped up and found his role for the Mavs, finally. Odom started for the first time in a Mavs uniform, and scored 16 points for the defending champs.
Tonight he should start for the first time at home, and in front of an electric crowd, the Mavs will catch fire. They've outscored opponents by an average of 19.2 points in the midst of this six-game winning streak at home, and during this home-win streak versus the Suns, Dallas has outscored them by an average of 12.7 points per game.
The domination isn't just in Big D, either, as the Mavs have taken six straight for Phoenix overall.
Don't worry about no Dirk, the Mavs aren't going to, and neither will I. Lay the points tonight.
4♦ DALLAS
Chuck O'Brien
On the heels of Sunday's free winner on Cleveland State, I'm going to stick with college basketball and do something a little different for you today, and release a two-team, 5-point teaser in the college ranks, as I teaser Syracuse and Georgia Southern in their respective conference games.
With the first leg of this two-teamer, I'm thinking former No. 1 Syracuse is going to pissed off enough to take out its frustrations on Cincinnati tonight. The Orange slipped to No. 3 in one poll and No. 4 in another, and though coach Jimmy Boeheim is experienced enough to not let the pollsters distract him or his troops, there's still a mental factor to consider with the players, who will be looking to prove they're still worthy of a No. 1 ranking, and are gunning for a top seed in March's dance.
Keep in mind the Orange's loss to Notre Dame included the absence of leading rebounder Fab Melo, who had started all of Syracuse's first 20 games, but was held out on Saturday, reportedly because of an unresolved academic issue. Now, Melo still isn't with his team during this Midwest-tour, and there's no telling when he'll return, but the Orange have to learn from their mistakes and have to know how to step up without him. No better time than the present, and with a teaser taking this line all the way down to a pick or +1, I just need to win the game. I don't think that'll be an issue.
With Georgia Southern, it's hosting The Citadel tonight and laying either 9-1/2 or 10 points. I'm not comfortable at all in seeing a 7-11 team laying double digits in conference play, even though the Eagles are 6-1 at home. It doesn't mean anything to me, knowing this is the same team that is a dismal 1-10 on the road. Do I think the Bulldogs can pull off a road upset? Not when I know the home team has four in a row straight-up, as covered 16 of the last 21 meetings and the favorite is on a 10-4 ATS run.
I'm sure I could argue my point that Georgia Southern is the better team and can cover, but I don't still don't like laying double digits with a bad team. But knowing I can tease this down to 4-1/2 or 5, it makes better sense to do this. The Citadel is mired in a three-game slide, including Saturday's 80-51 thumping at the hands of Davidson. On that same day, the Eagles were snapping their two-game skid with a six-point win over College of Charleston. The Citadel only averages 57 points on the road, and is giving up 21 points more when ordering room service. Yeah, I'll tease the home team in this one.
2♦ Teaser: SYRACUSE and GEORGIA SOUTHERN
Jeff Benton
Your Monday freebie is the Syracuse Orangemen minus the points at Cincinnati.
Syracuse's loss on Saturday at Notre Dame stopped their big for an undefeated season, but I have a feeling the Orangemen will get right back on track against a Cincinnati team they have handled in the past.
The 'Cuse is on a three game series win and cover streak, and they have gone 6-2 straight up the last eight times they have played the Bearcats.
Syracuse has been able to cover five of their seven lined road games this season, while Cincinnati has gone a money-burning 1-6 against the spread on their home hardwood.
Cincy just suffered an overtime loss at West Virginia over the weekend, and had the Orangemen entered tonight's spotlight game still unbeaten, I might consider grabbing Mick Cronin's team, but now that the glow is off the Orangemen just a little, I expect them to continue with their series domination.
The Orange to make it four straight series wins and covers in the Queen City this Monday night.
2♦ SYRACUSE